John Key seeks Labour backing on spy agencies overhaul

A review into the spy agencies was led by Sir Michael Cullen and Dame Patsy Reddy. Photo / Ross Setford

Prime Minister John Key says a report into the spy agencies is likely to be released later this week and will not be redacted.

The review, led by Dame Patsy Reddy and former Labour Minister Sir Michael Cullen, is expected to recommend changes to the powers and relationship between the GSCB, which oversees international intelligence, and SIS, the domestic intelligence agency.

The intelligence and security committee is to meet behind closed doors tomorrow to discuss the report.

Only Labour and National MPs are on the committee, which is chaired by Mr Key.

Mr Key is hoping to get Labour support for any changes required. "We want to move forward on a bipartisan basis if we can."

He said the report was written in such a way that it did not require redacting so would be released in full.

Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei said Mr Key should seek the support of all political parties for any changes to the powers of the spy agencies.

"Law changes that could impact on New Zealanders' privacy should have as wide political support as possible."

She said the intelligence and security committee, which would decide on it, had only National and Labour MPs on it.

"The ISC is a closed shop with neither of the major parties being particularly strong on civil liberties or human rights which is why it is crucial for all political parties to agree to any changes in spy laws."

The Green Party was on the committee until last year when Labour opted to have leader Andrew Little and foreign affairs spokesman David Shearer on the committee rather than sharing the two Opposition places with the Green Party.

The Green Party objected at the time, saying the law required Labour to consult with other Opposition parties but Mr Little had not consulted them.

Mr Key said he could understand Labour's stance given there were only two places. "In a sense this is one of the things where Labour and National are rightfully the people who should be guiding this."

National has three MPs on the committee - the Prime Minister, Justice Minister Amy Adams and the Minister for the GCSB and SIS Chris Finlayson.